5 Leadership Styles: Which One Are You?

Your job isn’t to be a manager; it’s to be a leader.

However, most people were promoted to managerial positions without being taught how to lead.

In our research to determine precisely how to go from manager to leader, we found a common theme that weaved its way through the highest-performing CEOs, NCAA head coaches, NFL coaches, and front-line managers. 

Research backs up the impact this healthy tension can have on a business:

• 30% Increase in Team Productivity

• 25% Decrease in Turnover

• 15% Increase in Job Satisfaction

Five clear-cut leadership styles emerged in our research of over 70,000 organizational leaders. Each style is related to the healthy tension between caring and demanding when leading others.

#1: Manage

People whose current leadership style is to manage others are often leaders by title alone. They push people along instead of pulling them up. They focus more on control and how to complete tasks. Because of that, people work for them rather than follow them.

• Scores low in areas of caring and demanding

• Focuses on execution and control

• Looks at the position as one of power and authority

#2: Please

People whose current leadership style is to please others are generally great people. They love people and often their company, but they expressly avoid having conflicts or difficult conversations with team members. They tend to give people too many chances and are often naive about what is happening around them

• Scores high in caring, low in demanding

• Can be taken advantage of by their direct reports

• Is often passed over for promotions

#3: Rule

People whose current leadership style is to rule others take their position seriously. They value authority, respect, and rules above relationships with people. The thought of not having control or not being the centralized decision-maker makes them uncomfortable.

• Scores high in demanding, low in caring

• Driven by a set rule book

• Typically gets good or bad results quickly

#4 Support

People whose current leadership style is to support others are good and effective leaders. The most popular style, with over 47 percent of all managers from our research currently leading this way. They often have good relationships with their team members and achieve business goals.

• Leverages strong levels of caring and demanding

• The team gets good results

• Has excellent relationships with some and average to below-average relationships with others

#5 Elevate

People whose current leadership style is to elevate others simultaneously use high levels of caring and demanding. They constantly exceed goals and objectives, have deep relationships with team members, and positively impact the lives of those they lead.

• Uses a healthy tension of caring and demanding

• Prioritize personal development and growth opportunities for team members

• Has deep relationships based on mutual respect

• Leads a team that consistently exceeds goals

• Helps create more leaders

Closing

Before you make an assumption about your leadership style, you can find out your current style by taking the free quiz.

However, whatever your style, it’s important to note that these aren’t personality profiles. The leadership styles are meant to serve as a mirror you can hold up to see how you’re currently leading. Just because your current leadership style is to rule or elevate today doesn’t mean you’re stuck with that style for life. Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Your skills can improve or decline.

Use your gifts,

John Eades

CEO | LearnLoft | The Sales Infrastructure

P.S. If you’re ready to strengthen the skills of your managers, I’d love to help. Schedule a Skill Mastery Workshop for managers in your organization. These 60-90-minute sessions delivered virtually or in person are customized. Skill Mastery workshops are 50% off when scheduled before April 15th.

P.S.S. At The Sales Infrastructure, we only work with a few companies at a time and focus heavily on sales execution. We help companies rigorously execute to improve their sales performance through training, coaching, and sales process design. We have one available spot to partner with a new company. Contact Dorthy Wood (dorthy@learnloft.com) if you're interested in improving the performance of your sales team.

The Optimistic Outlook (New Newsletter)

The Optimistic Outlook is a daily newsletter designed to remind you to focus on the bright side, one day at a time. Join 500+ leaders who are already improving their Optimistic Outlook.

The Optimistic Outlook is now available wherever you listen to podcasts. Channel your inner John Eades and make your kids listen to it, then read it aloud to work on their minds and communication skills.

The Power of Culture (Video)

Culture is created by leaders.

My favorite definition of culture is the shared values and beliefs that guide thinking and behavior.

Check out this story from a recent cruise to show you the power of culture and its experience on guests.

When You or Your Company is Ready, Here Are Some Ways We Could Partner:

1. Accelerate Leadership OnDemand: Go from manager to leader on your own schedule. Our flagship on-demand course gives you immediate access to the proven Accelerate Leadership framework—no need to wait on your company’s timeline. The best part is it only requires a $99 investment.

2. Accelerate Leadership System: Save your HR or executive team time, energy, and effort while transforming managers into effective leaders. This comprehensive program includes virtual or in-person instructor-led training, a Leadership Growth Plan, and group coaching to ensure real-world mastery.

3. Executive Coaching: Work 1-on-1 with me or one of our certified coaches to achieve your goals, strengthen critical skills, and address your most pressing challenges. This 6-month program focuses on mindset and execution for tangible, lasting outcomes.

4. Catalyst for Growth: Invest in your high-potential talent. This personal and professional development program boosts retention, performance, and leadership skills—ultimately creating a pipeline of future leaders.
   

That’s It For Today!